A Route Through the City, S.F. Crosstown Trail Opens

After five years of planning, a San Francisco trail now runs across the city linking neighborhoods and greenspaces.

1 minute read

June 15, 2019, 9:00 AM PDT

By Camille Fink


Visitation Valley Greenway

throgers / Flickr

The new San Francisco Crosstown Trail has opened, connecting the city’s many parks and open spaces into a 17-mile walking and biking route, reports Carl Nolte. "The Crosstown Trail runs from the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area near the old ballpark site diagonally across the city to Lands End on the edge of the Pacific Ocean."

Nolte traveled along the trail recently and describes the diversity of terrains, including urban woods, trails, parks, and city streets. He says the Visitacion Valley Greenway part of the trail was a labor of love that came about over 20 years through grants and the work of volunteers. "[The volunteers] talked about how a series of overgrown vacant lots full of weeds, trash and stray dogs was transformed into an urban garden through the heart of a neighborhood."

Although the Crosstown Trail is officially open, not all the paths are marked, says Nolte. Visitors can navigate the route using downloadable maps.

Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Hot air balloons rise over Downtown Boise with the State Capitol building visible amidst the high rises.

The Five Most-Changed American Cities

A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

April 23, 2025 - GoodMigrations

Conductor walks down platform next to Amtrak train at station in San Jose, California.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement

An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.

15 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of flooding during Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls

The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.

1 hour ago - NC Newsline

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.